Wills and Probate Solicitors London
Qualified, Professional & Experienced
Francensa Nelson
Head of Wills & Probate
Wills and Probate Solicitors
Planning for the future is one of the most important things you can do for your family. Without a valid will, your estate will not necessarily pass to the people you intend, and your loved ones may face unnecessary delays and costs in administering it. At Freeman Harris, our wills and probate solicitors in London provide clear, straightforward advice on all aspects of estate planning, will writing, and estate administration.
Whether you need a will drafted, a lasting power of attorney put in place, or help obtaining probate following a bereavement, we work at a pace that suits you and explain everything in plain English. Wills and estate planning documents are drafted by qualified solicitors, not passed to a will-writing service.
We also assist with contested estates and inheritance disputes, acting for both claimants and defendants in cases involving disputed wills, claims under the Inheritance Act, and challenges to executors or administrators.
Our Wills and Probate Services
Court of Protection
Applications and ongoing case management for individuals who lack mental capacity to make decisions for themselves.
Estate Planning
Structuring your estate to protect assets, provide for your family, and reduce inheritance tax exposure where possible.
Guardianship
Appointing legal guardians for minor children in your will, ensuring they are cared for by the people you choose.
Lasting Power of Attorney
Putting in place property and financial affairs LPAs and health and welfare LPAs before you need them.
Probate
Obtaining the grant of probate and administering the estate efficiently, including dealing with property and HMRC.
Trusts
Setting up and administering trusts for asset protection, tax efficiency, and providing for beneficiaries over time.
Will Writing
Professionally drafted wills tailored to your circumstances, including mirror wills for couples and complex family arrangements.
Wills and probate matters can be complex and emotionally challenging. We are here to guide you through the process and provide practical solutions tailored to your needs.
Estate Planning
You need to prepare for future events to establish peace of mind for yourself and your family members. Our estate planning services work to protect your assets while ensuring they reach your beneficiaries without any difficulties. Common estate planning services feature the creation of tax-efficient strategies along with designating executors and establishing trusts. The client advantage portfolio features legacy protection and inheritance tax reduction while guaranteeing wish fulfilment.
Probate Services
Managing an estate requires complex navigation through legal and tax requirements following someone’s death. Our London-based fixed-fee probate services deliver essential clarity and support for families during challenging times. Our team helps with both acquiring the grant of probate and distributing estate assets to beneficiaries. We take care of legal and administrative tasks, so you don’t have to deal with additional stress.
Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA)
A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) lets a reliable person handle your affairs when you cannot manage them. UK expert professionals provide step-by-step guidance to help you establish a lasting power of attorney with full confidence. Select an individual who can handle your financial affairs and personal well-being decisions. A legally binding LPA will shield your future and help you avoid complex issues.
Inheritance Disputes
Even amongst family members who share close bonds, disputes over inheritance can develop. Our London-based inheritance dispute resolution services aim to reduce conflict and maintain your legal protections. Our legal services provide assistance to clients who face challenges with contested wills and claims under the Inheritance Act, as well as estate distribution disputes. We prioritise mediation to resolve disputes efficiently and economically while minimising the need for extended courtroom proceedings.
Will Writing
Creating a professionally prepared will stands as one of your most significant legal documents. Our London-based will writing services create documents that legally enforce your wishes while communicating them clearly. Prevent potential disagreements by clearly specifying how your estate will be distributed. Rest easy knowing your family members will receive care exactly as you planned and desired.
Why Choose Freeman Harris as Your Wills and Probate Solicitor?
Solicitor-led from start to finish. Your will and estate documents are drafted by a qualified solicitor, not a paralegal or online will-writing service. This matters when things are complicated or when documents are challenged.
Clear, fixed pricing. We offer fixed fees for standard wills and LPAs, so you know the cost before you begin. There are no hidden charges.
Sensitive handling of probate matters. Administering an estate is often stressful, particularly in the months following a bereavement. We take as much off your plate as possible and keep things moving.
Experience in contested estates. Where disputes arise, our solicitors have experience acting for both claimants and defendants in inheritance disputes, claims under the Inheritance Act, and challenges to executors.
How We Work With You
Step 1: Initial Conversation. We discuss your circumstances, your wishes, and any specific concerns, such as blended families, business assets, or overseas property. There is no obligation to proceed after the initial call.
Step 2: Drafting. We prepare your will, LPA, or trust documentation, clearly explaining each clause and why it matters before you sign anything.
Step 3: Execution. We guide you through the signing formalities to ensure your documents are legally valid. For wills, we advise on the witness requirements and any steps specific to your circumstances.
Step 4: Review and Storage. We advise on storing your documents safely and recommend reviewing your will whenever your circumstances change significantly, such as on marriage, divorce, or the birth of a child.
Want to discuss your estate planning? Call 0207 790 7311 or email contact@freemanharris.co.uk for a no-obligation initial conversation.
Wills and Probate Team
Frankie Nelson
SolicitorFrancesca is our established Solicitor who deals with all estate planning matters. She has a deep understanding of all legal aspects of estate planning.Rohana Khan
SolicitorRohana works on all legal aspects of private client matters and can assist you in our Dunstable branch.
Wills and Probate FAQs
- What happens if I die without a will?
You are said to have died intestate. Your estate is distributed according to the Rules of Intestacy, which follow a fixed order of priority. This may not reflect your wishes, particularly if you have an unmarried partner, stepchildren, or a complex family situation. An unmarried partner has no automatic entitlement under the intestacy rules.
- How much does a will cost?
A straightforward single will starts from £350+VAT. Mirror wills for couples are available at a reduced combined rate. Wills involving trusts or more complex arrangements are priced on application. We provide a fixed quote before any work begins.
- What is a lasting power of attorney?
A lasting power of attorney (LPA) is a legal document giving another person authority to make decisions on your behalf. There are two types: one covering property and financial affairs, and one covering health and welfare decisions. You must have mental capacity when you sign it. Once you lose capacity, it is too late to put an LPA in place.
- How long does probate take?
A straightforward probate with a valid will typically takes six to twelve months from the date of death. Complex estates, those involving overseas assets, or those subject to a dispute can take considerably longer.
- Can I challenge a will?
Yes. Grounds for challenging a will include lack of testamentary capacity, undue influence, fraud, or failure to meet the formal requirements for execution. You may also make a claim under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 if the will does not make reasonable financial provision for you.
- Do I need a solicitor to apply for probate?
You can apply for probate personally, but using a solicitor reduces the risk of errors, ensures the estate is administered correctly, and is particularly advisable where there are inheritance tax implications, property assets, multiple beneficiaries, or potential disputes.
- What is inheritance tax and how can I reduce it?
Inheritance tax is charged at 40% on the value of an estate above the nil-rate band (currently £325,000, with an additional residence nil-rate band applicable in many cases). Careful estate planning, including the use of trusts, lifetime gifting, and available reliefs, can legitimately reduce the amount payable. We advise on all available options.
- What does an executor do?
An executor is the person named in your will who is responsible for administering your estate. This includes applying for probate, collecting assets, paying debts and taxes, and distributing the estate to the beneficiaries. It is a significant responsibility, and we frequently act alongside executors to handle the legal and administrative work.
Contact our Wills and Probate Solicitors team
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